Men’s gymnastics saved at UC Berkeley

Men’s gymnastics, the final sport facing the axe at Cal, has been spared thanks to supporters raising $2.5 million.

The men’s team had been set a goal of $4 million to save the team and the university announced today that the $2.5 million raised will support the team for seven to 10 years, along with reductions to reduce annual operating expenses. Until the larger fundraising goal is met, the team will be able to meet scholarship commitments to current athletes but athletic scholarship aid for new athletes will be restricted.

Under first-year coach Tim McNeill, the Golden Bears placed fourth in last month’s NCAA championships. Cal has finished in the top five nationally 20 times since 1959.

“Words cannot even begin to express how happy I am that the Cal men’s gymnastics team has been reinstated,” McNeill said in the release detailing the news today. “I’m so thankful for the outpouring of support we received, from Cal’s athletic department, the Chancellor, our incredible alumni and the team members’ parents who worked around the clock to make this happen.”